Inside WGSD
Thursday, March 30, 2023
WGSD Cares | Karen Verstraete
Karen Verstraete is a college and career counselor and counseling department chair at WGHS. But if you know Karen, you know she is much more than that. Mickey Erb put it best when she said, "Karen is not only a wonderful counselor but a leader for the staff. She puts positive relationships with students, parents, and staff as a top priority.
Karen always works to stay on top of the latest educational trends and implement strategies at WGHS that really work. She is largely responsible for the master schedule, which is no easy feat. She sees each student as an individual, listens, and truly guides them throughout their college and career process. What impresses me most is her overall knowledge in her field, coupled with her earnest care for our students and staff. As a parent, I can tell you that my children directly benefited from that care and are better because of her guidance. She truly is one of a kind."
Karen has been with the district since 1999. Before coning to WGSD she taught social studies at Crystal City High School. When asked about the best part of her job, Karen said, "I often say I have the best job there is! I feel lucky to work with amazing students and colleagues. Everyday is different and I get to constantly learn new things surrounded by really great people!" When she was asked about the most challenging aspects of her job she said, "The Counseling Office at WGHS has to be one of the busiest places in all of WGSD! While I enjoy the energy, multitasking can sometimes prove to be a challenge! There are often not enough hours in the day to do all that needs to be done."
The number of WGSD staff members, students, parents, and community members that Karen has interacted with during her time here is innumerable. To say she makes a difference every single day is an understatement. We are grateful to have her in WGSD and we are grateful to have her guidance - thank you for all that you do, Karen!
Citizen of the Year
Congratulations to Kara Siebe, Thrive Entrepreneurship Incubator coordinator, on being named Webster Groves Citizen of the Year! This award, given by the Webster Groves/Shrewsbury/Rock Hill Area Chamber of Commerce, is chosen by the mayor to honor a citizen who has made a tremendously positive impact in the community.
Webster Groves Mayor Laura Arnold cited Kara's work with Thrive Business Incubator as well as her work on the chamber board of directors in her nomination, stating that Kara has “completely transformed the way our community thinks and teaches about business, marketing and entrepreneurship education.”
Kara will be honored tomorrow at the Heart of the Community Awards. Congratulations, Kara!
Pictured: Kara Siebe with students in the Thrive Entrepreneurship Incubator students
Teacher Inspires Student
Clara Bittle, a current WGHS senior, was recently spotlighted in the Webster-Kirkwood Times after she received a perfect score on her Advanced Placement (AP) 2-D Art and Design portfolio, submitted in May 2022. Both Clara and her teacher, Jocelyn Reiss, were interviewed for the article.
"Bittle met Reiss in her studio art class during junior year. Reiss, currently in her fifth year of teaching at the high school, was instrumental in bringing the AP Art program to the district. Last year was the first time students were eligible to submit portfolios. Out of eight students who submitted portfolios, all of Reiss’ students passed. Bittle said Reiss served as a key source of inspiration for her portfolio.
“Ms. Reiss had lost her mom during the pandemic, and hearing the way she was talking about it, I felt very connected to her,” said Bittle. “Hearing her talk about how she felt, how she was expressing herself through it — that’s what helped my portfolio.”
Read the story from the Webster-Kirkwood Times here.
Pictured, Clara Bittle, WGHS senior, with Ms. Jocelyn Reiss WGHS art teacher, photo courtesy of Ursula Ruhl, Webster Kirkwood Times
Organizational Sustainability and Growth
Over the next few months, we will be highlighting each goal in our strategic plan. Goal 4 is Organizational Sustainability and Growth.
In order to continue to meet the needs of our learners, current and future, WGSD must maintain flexible structures and systems which attract and retain the highest guality staff, demonstrate fiscal responsibility and promote positive and productive relationships with all members of the district community.
Learn more about Goal 4 and the entire WGSD strategic plan.
